University Library Diversity Fellowship: Fellowship Description

Under the supervision of professional librarians, the Diversity Fellow will have the chance to work in several library departments and to learn about different aspects of academic librarianship.  Depending on interests and experience, the Fellow will have the opportunity to develop or participate in library projects promoting inclusion and diversity.

The goals of the fellowship are to:

• Expose students from diverse backgrounds to librarianship
• Give undergraduates the opportunity for professional-level work in a library setting, providing insight into a career they may not have otherwise considered
• Integrate opportunities for those interested in pursuing diversity issues
• Provide experience to students in planning and implementing projects

Structure of the Fellowship

• The Diversity Fellow will choose to work in at least two different units of the Library during the year (Technical Services, Instruction and Research Assistance, Digital Initiatives, Events and Outreach, Access Services). 
• The Diversity Fellow will be supervised by one member of the Library Management Team but will also work closely with other librarians on specific projects.
• The Diversity Fellow will have the opportunity to participate in library committees and task forces throughout the duration of the internship.
• The Diversity Fellow's supervisor will provide regular feedback and guidance in monthly meetings.

Examples of Projects and Assignments:

• Observing and eventually participating in information literacy sessions taught by librarians
• Participating in orientation sessions for new international and transfer students
• Designing online research guides on specific topics
• Working on assessment projects to evaluate library services
• Creating web pages for library exhibits
• Assisting in collection development projects
• Interacting with student groups regarding library and research-related issues
• Organizing a diversity-related lecture series
• Digitizing and/or creating guides for unique library collections

Evaluation:

• The Diversity Fellow will keep a journal throughout the internship, recording thoughts and comments on his/her experience.
• At the end of the year, the Fellow will give a presentation to the library staff (or the campus community) on one of the completed projects.